Bullet Types and Weights Across the Old, the Odd and the New

From a 35-grain Hornet bullet to a 340-grain Blackout bullet, this shelf has one of the widest weight spreads in rifle ammunition. Weight and construction together decide what each load is for.

The 22 Hornet's lightest loads use 35-grain bullets, as at 22 hornet 35 grain ammo, which suit small game and pests. At the other end of the .22 centerfires, the 22-250's soft points, at 22-250 soft point ammo, are a classic varmint design that opens quickly.

The 7.62x54R's 180-grain loads, at 7.62x54r 180 grain ammo, are a traditional heavier weight for the cartridge. The 8mm Mauser's soft points, at 8mm mauser soft point ammo, sit in the same medium-heavy class.

Nosler's loads for the 8mm Remington Magnum, at nosler 8mm remington magnum ammo, sit in that class too.

The 25-06 usually runs 100 to 120 grains, and anyone who wants to buy 25-06 ammo should choose the weight for the game.

The 9.3x62 launches a 286-grain bullet, a traditional big-bore weight, and its loads are at 9.3x62 ammo. The 8.6 Blackout uses heavy .338-caliber bullets, often subsonic, and its loads are at 8.6 blackout ammo for sale.

FMJ ball ammunition, like the 7.62x39 at 7.62x39 ammunition, is built for practice and military use rather than for game. At the other end, monolithic copper bullets such as the FK BRNO F5 line, at fk brno f5 7.5 fk ammo, are lead-free and designed to expand as a hollow point.

Weight also changes how a rifle feels. Heavy bullets at moderate speed recoil with a push, while light, fast bullets recoil with a snap. A 286-grain 9.3x62 bullet and a 35-grain Hornet bullet could hardly be more different in the hand.

Twist matters too. Long, heavy bullets need a barrel built for them, so match the bullet to the rifle's twist rate before you buy a box.

Bullet designs and brand lines change over time. Read the bullet type and weight on the box, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.